You put your money where you gain the most value, instead of spreading it around and feeling unsatisfied as a whole.
Instead of purchasing things that you think you need, but don’t really end up using on a daily basis, you should put the bulk of your money towards items and services that give you the most value.
The Avocado and the Rice Cooker
The other day, I was trying to pit the avocados and was getting frustrated with trying to get the pit out without ruining the flesh.
Avocado Pitter & Slicer
I was recounting my story to my friend on the phone later on that night, and she suggested I get an avocado pitter and slicer to make my life easier.
I thought about it and even put it on my list of things to buy.
I later crossed it off because I realized that I wouldn’t really use it often.
Maybe once a year. Or less.
Sure, I spend about 5 minutes struggling with the avocados, but is it really worth my money to purchase a utensil that is going to get used once a year or less?
The answer for me was: No.
And it would clutter up my utensil drawers, which is something I’d get frustrated with, and end up donating to a friend to get rid of it.
A rice cooker on the other hand, I had deemed to be a worthy purchase and priority.
I eat rice almost every day, and it is a solid staple in my diet.
Buying a rice cooker would save me the time and effort of cooking it in the microwave in a plastic contraption or over the stove, stirring it constantly each day, as well as turning out perfect rice each time (a big deal with me).
So I put my money and my free (small) kitchen space towards storing such a bulky item.
So the next time you think you should buy a utensil or contraption to help make your life easier, ask yourself these 3 questions:
- Do I have the space and the true need for it?
- How many times a day/week/month/year would I use it?
- Calculate the yearly cost per use (Price divided by # of times used)
More often than not, I get down to the first and even second question, and realize that I don’t really need it.
Jesse
on Nov 25th, 2009
@ 6:59 am:
This is exactly why I’m not replacing the almost dead microwave in my place. I literally NEVER use it. If my roommate deems it important enough, he can shell out the $$ and find somewhere to dispose of the old one. My money is better spent on fresh veggies and quality olive oil!
everydayminimalist
on Nov 25th, 2009
@ 7:11 am:
@Jesse: Good call!
Meg
on Nov 25th, 2009
@ 10:48 am:
Fyi, I think the key to removing the pit is making sure the avocado is fully ripe. Then, if you can’t just scoop it out with a spoon, stick a sharp knife tip in it a little ways and pop it out.
Also, those avocado slicers are a pain in the butt. They usually don’t work very well in my experience. But then that’s most kitchen gadgets nowadays. I can’t tell you how many “time savers” I’ve tried were a waste of money.
Most of my kitchen gadgets are bigger, more versatile things: microwave, toaster oven, steamer (with rice basket), cast iron dutch oven, food processor, small blender.
birdie
on Nov 25th, 2009
@ 2:28 pm:
With the Avocado, hold it, in one hand, pit out, and chop your knife into it (be careful here), then twist. The pit should pop out. Then you can slice the good part (if you want slices) while it’s still in the rind, and spoon out.
I love my rice cooker. I cook all SORTS of rice in it – you know, you can get the wild grain mixes and stuff. Those totally work in the cooker, and it steams veggies or whatnot while it cooks. Mine over-steams veggies a little, so I put the veggies in about halfway through.
birdie´s last blog ..All I Want for the Holidays: Modcloth
everydayminimalist
on Nov 26th, 2009
@ 7:26 am:
Ooo I should get my boyfriend to do that instead!
I definitely do different rice blends in the cooker, but white jasmine is my favourite. Smells great around the house.
I also steam fish, pork and veggies in there
everydayminimalist
on Nov 26th, 2009
@ 7:26 am:
I think the method of the knife (carefully using it) is a good one!
I’d like a dutch oven though.
Meg
on Nov 26th, 2009
@ 8:21 am:
@Everyday Minimalist
We love our Dutch oven. We gave away our slow cooker after we got it. Though it’s not quite a replacement for a slow cooker if you like to cook stuff while away from home, it does cook faster and better. Plus, it’s more versatile. You can use it on the stove top to brown meats, add the rest of your ingredients, and then stick the whole thing in the oven. You can even use it on a grill or open fire or with coals on the lid (get a lid with a lip for that).
Only problem is that it is HEAVY. And you have to season it. But that’s not a problem once you get the hang of it (and use bacon grease).
birdie
on Dec 1st, 2009
@ 9:35 pm:
We don’t have a dutch oven, necessarily – just a giant cast iron pan with a lid. 3-4 qts. The cast iron is really versatile though.
We do still have a slow cooker because it’s nice for chili or ribs or whatever – when you have to pop something in the cooker and leave the house for the day.
birdie´s last blog ..The Case for a Knockoff
Amber
on Dec 2nd, 2009
@ 4:59 pm:
I always just pop my avocado pits out with a butterknife – no whacking involved. Never tried a spoon…
Then use the butterknife to cut the avocado *in the skin*. Turn it over and grip the skin in the middle and pinch, sliding the flesh out down the sides. Your slices will fall right out. This also works for removing the entire flesh in one piece and then you can slice as normal.
I’ve got a ripe avocado waiting at home for me. Yum yum yum!
Amber´s last blog ..Commute
@URNemesis108
on Jan 27th, 2010
@ 5:36 pm:
I had a bread maker die on me. I seriously wracked my brain as to whether or not I really wanted to buy a new one. I came down on the side of "No". I had purchased it through a thrift shop, And I did get my money's worth out of it. If I found another one in a thrift I might say yes as I still have the cook book, The yeast, and all the other specialized foods that go into bread making. >_<